Community Services Specialist at Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas in Greenbelt, Maryland

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

This position will report to the Community Services Director and is responsible for the provision of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP), Targeted Case Management (TCM) and Supportive Employment (SE) services for eligible residents to promote the ability to participate in appropriate community activities and contribute to the development and utilization of skills necessary for independent living. The Community Services Specialist (CSS) is responsible for conducting community support activities in accordance with VOA Chesapeake’s operation as a core service agency. In this role, the Community Services Specialist provides consumer services that are essential for assisting the consumer in the achievement of rehabilitation and recovery goals as defined in the consumer’s Individualized Service Plan. Approximately 80% of the time, the Community Services Specialist will be engaged in activities out in the community and/or the consumers’ natural setting. 

In addition, the CSS, like all staff on site, is responsible for promoting and maintaining the security and safety of residents, staff, visitors, property, and all other assets. The CSS will work closely with the case management staff in the assessment of residents’ needs, and the development, implementation, and monitoring of the resident’s individualized rehabilitation or program plan (IRP/IPP). The CSS is also responsible for providing crisis intervention. All delegated actions taken by this employee will be carried out in accordance with all VOAC policies, procedures, and guidelines. Driving, including transportation of clients in accordance with needs and program requirements, is the responsibility of this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage a caseload of approximately 40 adults/ 20 youths.


• Assist the consumer in the development of interpersonal and community coping skills.


• Assist the consumer in the development of relapse and symptom management strategies and plans.


• Participate in the preparation of the Individualized Service Plan with specific, measurable, behavioral objectives, and action plans.


• Provide and coordinate referrals to ensure the consumer receives the requested assistance.


• Conducts visits to the consumer’s job site, home, hospital room, and other natural settings.


• Transport consumers in personal vehicles as needed


• Transport or coordinate transportation for consumers as needed


• Adheres to Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s documentation requirements


• Documents all billable activities according to all regulatory standards.


• Meet weekly with the Treatment Team to discuss programmatic issues.


• Turn in progress notes within 24-72 hours.


• Establish and maintain a community resources and referral index.


• Provide crisis intervention to consumers as necessary.


• Perform duties as outlined in Program’s Operation Manual.


• Perform duties as assigned.


• Meet the assigned weekly/monthly productivity requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess an associate degree in human services and/or have one year of experience working with individuals involved in social, resident and/or rehabilitative services.


• Experience working in a community-based and multicultural setting is preferred.


• Ability to develop an effective working relationship with the consumer population.


• The ability to be a self-starter and work independently with limited supervision at times


• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others.


• Most importantly, the successful candidate must be able to develop effective working relationships with the resident population, be able to relate to individuals making significant life decisions, be supportive of an individual’s increasing independence, be able to handle conflicts and assist with resolutions, and be able to handle emergency and or crisis situations.


• Successful candidates must also be able to provide effective training, prepare written reports, maintain resident documentation and effectively operate computer systems including HMIS and Medicaid/PRP systems.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to relate to individuals making significant life decisions.


• The ability to multitasks and handle a non-traditional fast healthcare work environment.


• Possess strong organizational skills, and have strong oral and written communication skills


• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point, Outlook Email, and other systems i.e. electronic time punches, electronic medical records etc. • Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and car insurance.


• CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed


• Bilingual in any language a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.


• The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.


• Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment. 


• Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.


• The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.


• Occasionally, lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS:

• Improve or increased stability in the consumer’s level of functioning.


• Ensures that each consumer’s individualized needs are met.


• Ensures that all documentation pertaining to consumer services is completed in compliance with agency policies and funding source requirements.


• Presents a positive image to the residents and public.


• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.